Communication Tool

Everyone says that talking about sexuality is important—and it is. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy! Even adults have a hard time talking about it.

Sometimes you may not know what to say to your boyfriend or girlfriend, a health care provider, a parent or guardian or any other adult when it comes to sexuality and sexual health. How do you approach these topics? Sex, Etc. can help!

Sex, Etc.’s Communication Tool gives you a place to start what are hopefully ongoing conversations. Below you can choose who you want to talk to, what you want to talk about and what you might want to say. We’ll suggest some ways to start the conversation along with some ideas about what to discuss. These aren’t scripts you should read word for word, but the language covers important issues to communicate about. So find what works for you in the suggestions below, and make the language your own.

Clear and healthy communication can be a challenge, but we’re making it a little bit easier!

I’m pregnant, and I don’t know what to do.

I’m pretty nervous about having this conversation. My period didn’t come, so I took a pregnancy test. It said I’m pregnant.

I haven’t decided what to do yet, and in the end, I know the decision is up to me. I want to know what you think. I don’t know if I want to have an abortion or become a parent or arrange an adoption. How do you feel about these choices?

I’m planning to talk with my parent/guardian but wanted to talk with you first. I could really use your input and support. If you want to take some time to think about this, that’s fine, but I do need to make a decision as soon as possible.

I’m pregnant, and I want an abortion.

I’m pretty nervous about having this conversation. My period didn’t come, so I took a pregnancy test. It said I’m pregnant.

I’ve thought a lot about this, and I want to have an abortion. I don’t know if you agree with my decision or not, but I need your support.

I’m planning to talk with my parent/guardian but wanted to talk with you first. If you want to take some time to think about this, that’s fine. I’m talking to you now because I could really use your support.

I’m pregnant, and I want to arrange an adoption.

I’m pretty nervous about having this conversation. My period didn’t come, so I took a pregnancy test. It said I’m pregnant.

I’ve thought a lot about this. I want to continue this pregnancy and arrange an adoption. I don’t know if you agree with my decision or not, but I could really use your support. I’m planning to talk with my parent/guardian but wanted to talk with you first. If you want to take some time to think about this, that’s fine. Maybe we can even sit down with both of our parents/guardians and talk with them together. I’m talking to you now because I know we can work through this and support each other.

I’m pregnant, and I want to be a parent.

I’m pretty nervous about having this conversation. My period didn’t come, so I took a pregnancy test. It said I’m pregnant.

I’ve thought a lot about this, and I want to be a parent. I don’t know if you agree with my decision or not, but I could really use your support. Maybe we could sit down with both of our parents/guardians and talk with them together. I’m talking to you now because I know we can work through this and support each other.

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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are not something people talk about very often. Even as a staff writer for Sex, Etc., I find it difficult to bring up STDs. It’s easier for me to talk about the health or medical aspects […]